As I was driving down Fourth Street today through Rincon Stillwell Road, I was reminded how God has filled our world with color. The vibrant yellow and red leaves among the trees are breath-taking. The light of the sunshine through pine, maple, and oak trees is calming. Our Effingham roadsides reveal harmony, strength and beauty from the sovereign artist, our creator.

The sovereign artist also created people. Red, yellow, black, and white; we are precious in His sight. God loves each of us regardless of race or nationality.

Christians owe gratitude to missionaries named Paul and Barnabas. Had it not been for their compassion for others, the story of Jesus may have not spread to non-Jews. These missionaries were sent by the apostles outside Jerusalem to share the good news of God’s love.

Christianity began as a Jewish movement, and many tradition-minded Jews thought that God’s love could only penetrate the hearts of their people. Israel’s neighbors were usually hostile toward the Jews. Their mission was to investigate rumors that non-Jews were converting to Christianity.

After Paul’s understanding of Christ, he proclaimed that Gentiles could indeed be among the believers, and enjoy God’s favor. He said, ‘everyone that calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

Let us keep in mind that God created all of us and loves each of us. We can all enjoy God’s favor. Acts 13:47 says that the Lord has commanded us to be a light unto all people, and bring salvation to the ends of the earth.